Politicians are urged to back livestock worrying proposals

The number of livestock worrying attacks reached an all-time high in Northern Ireland in the spring of 2018. The UFU has reviewed the mechanisms currently in place to deal with this frustrating and costly problem. While the absence of Stormont makes it more challenging to progress this important issue, the UFU has written to all MLAs with the aim of being in a position to act quickly when the Executive is up and running again.

UFU deputy president Victor Chestnutt said: “In Northern Ireland, there is little legislation to protect farmers and their livestock. Having previously raised the issue with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) we believe action needs to be taken here similar to what is happening in Scotland. There, Emma Harper, Member of Scottish Parliament (MSP), is planning a Private Members Bill to tackle livestock worrying.”

The UFU has backed a number of proposals from the NPCC. These include a database of dog DNA to help the PSNI catch dogs responsible for worrying livestock. The NPCC is also recommending that police be given powers to enter homes to seize dogs that repeatedly worry livestock. The UFU is also backing dog owners having to report attacks on livestock and new rules on people taking action to prevent dogs escaping from their home.

With incidents rising, Mr Chestnutt said it is vital this is tackled more aggressively, since they are also an attack on a farmer’s livelihood. “Livestock worrying is an example of irresponsible dog ownership. We want our elected representatives to get behind the UFU to make the new proposals work in parallel with The Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1983. All members should report incidents to the PSNI and their local dog warden,” said the UFU deputy president.